Symphony Space is a multidisciplinary performing arts center where bold programming, presented in a uniquely warm and welcoming environment, forges indelible relationships between artists and audiences. Our fundamental mission is to connect art, ideas, and community through our programs and our commitment to literacy and education through the arts. On our New York City stages, through our national broadcasts, and in the classrooms and communities we serve throughout the country, we foster access to the arts through all the disciplines. Our embrace of the audience and the arts is wide, and the experience of our patrons is deep and enriched.

With our Education Director retiring after three decades, Symphony Space is seeking a passionate advocate for arts education to envision and lead the next phase of dynamic growth for our programs and reach, building on an existing foundation of excellence.

Since 1980, Symphony Space has been providing high-quality arts education to Pre-K – 12 students and adult learners in New York City and beyond, serving upwards of 16,000 students annually through three programs:

• Global Arts: Cultural Literacy and Heritage, which uses the performing and visual arts to bring world cultures to life through engaged exploration of the art and cultures of Africa, Asia, Native America, and Latin America;
• All Write!, which introduces adult literacy and ESOL students to the beauty and power of the written word, and gives voice to an often unseen and unheard population; and
• Thalia Kids Book Club Camp, which brings renowned authors and illustrators of books for young readers together with their passionate audience in a day camp filled with book-related activities and field trips.

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Education Director creates the vision and strategy for all educational programming, and works in close collaboration with the Manager of Education Programs, the All Write! Director, Camp Manager, and a team of approximately 40 Teaching Artists across disciplines.
As an ambassador of Symphony Space’s education mission, the Education Director forges strong ties with
partner organizations—the New York City Department of Education, private and public schools, adult education sites, community centers, museums, and more—to advance program and sector goals.

With an eye toward deepening the reach and impact of the programs, the Director is responsible for ensuring that content and implementation align with Symphony Space’s values and mission, and that our programs are responsive to our times and the changing needs of the communities we serve.

• Design, implement, evaluate, and ensure the quality of all programs, revising as appropriate and
  creating new models (both content and delivery) to best fulfill community needs and program goals
• Assess curricula, teaching practices, and educational materials of all programs, assuring that outcomes align with organization values and mission as well as national, state, and city academic and arts standards
• Champion inclusion, equity, diversity, and access initiatives that serve the community and advance
  Symphony Space goals
• Oversee Teaching Artist and administrative staff recruitment and evaluation
• Provide Teaching Artists with professional development and access to workshops and conferences that feature best practices in the field
• Expand programmatic reach, access, and impact by building new partnerships and proactively cultivating existing relationships
• Develop and oversee departmental policies, procedures, and budgets
• Advocate on behalf of Symphony Space’s Education Programs with all internal and external stakeholders
• Create and foster an environment where all students and community members feel welcomed, valued, safe, and supported

DESIRED SKILLS & TRAITS

• The Education Director will have a passion for the arts, literature, culture, teaching and learning. They will be an inspirational and collaborative leader who values working with others. They will enjoy being both a teacher and a learner. They will be able to gain the trust, respect, and engagement of the staff, management, teachers, students, board members, and donors through their creativity, generosity of spirit, and hard work, and will thrive in the cooperative and welcoming culture of Symphony Space.
• Comprehensive experience in a leadership role
• Knowledge of national, state, and NYC educational standards and current best practices in the field of arts education
• A creative and strategic approach to problem-solving
• Strong facilitation and communication skills (written and verbal)
• Experience working with diverse learning populations
• Interpersonal, collaboration, and teambuilding skills

COMPENSATION
This is a full-time position. We offer a benefits package that includes health insurance, life and long-term
disability insurance, flexible spending plan (FSA), annuity plan, and three weeks of vacation time.
Please note that all Symphony Space staff are required to be fully vaccinated and boosted.

Please email your cover letter and resume with “Director of Education” in the subject line to
search@symphonyspace.org. We look forward to receiving your application.